The Town of Shepherdstown is inviting local artists to participate in the upcoming “Welcome to Shepherdstown” Banner Contest, offering a unique opportunity to showcase creativity while contributing to the visual character of the Town’s historic downtown.

Artists who live, work, or attend school within Shepherdstown are encouraged to submit original designs for a new series of downtown banners. Selected designs will be displayed on light poles throughout Historic Shepherdstown beginning later this year, rotating alongside seasonal and event-based banners.

The contest is intended to highlight the qualities that make Shepherdstown distinctive—its history, culture, natural environment, and strong sense of community—while also enhancing the visual experience of downtown for residents and visitors alike. 

Artists are encouraged to create vibrant, original work that reflects these themes, including (but not limited to) historic heritage, arts and culture, community identity, environmental features such as pollinators and Town Run, and the Town’s connection to the Potomac River and outdoor recreation.

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Submitted designs must include the words “Welcome to Shepherdstown” and be adaptable to a 30” x 60” vertical banner format, including a ½” bleed on each side. Designs should be visually engaging and easily recognizable from a distance, and must not contain offensive, discriminatory, or political content.

Designs do not need to be print-ready at the time of submission. Selected artists will have one to two weeks to work with the Town’s team to finalize their design for production.

*** Interested applicants *** can review the submission guidelines and complete the APPLICATION right here. The application can be downloaded, filled out digitally, and returned by email (follow instructions within the application) or printed out and returned in person to Town Hall, or mailed to Shepherdstown Town Hall, P.O. Box 248, Shepherdstown Town Hall 25443. Attention: "Welcome Banner Contest."

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Up to three winning artists will be selected by a jury of artists and Town Council members. Each selected artist will receive a $300 honorarium, and winning designs will be recognized publicly through Town communications, including social media and this website. 

Important Dates: 
 – Contest Opens: April 1, 2026
 – Deadline to Enter: May 10, 2026
 – Winners Announced: May 25, 2026
 – Banner Installation: Early August

— For questions or additional information, please email comments@shepherdstown.us with the subject line “Welcome Banner Contest.”